Did something dumb today.

Asked by the sports editor to get some images of the state Junior Track Team, I proposed a not totally original, but also not thoroughly planned idea of sitting backwards on the trial bike, with my 9mm, going for some dramatic images.

To add to the variables, lighting was intermittent with only about 20% of the overheads on and the odd natural sky light, so the subjects tended to go bright/dark quite quickly (30km an hour quickly).

With the 9mm, able to focus down to 3cms, I actually had to be careful how close I got.

The sweet spot was 1/250th at ISO 1600, roughly f1.8 to 2.8.

Professionals all, the distances did not bother the riders especially at these relatively sedate (for them) speeds, but holding on, staying balanced, changing settings and getting the shot all came down to nerves and muscle memory for this newbie (me that is).

Keep in mind, the oldest rider is 16 and the youngest 14.

Being more sensible and using the 75mm wide open also worked.

Back to the 15 and 9mm’s for some statics.

Then long again.

My “ride”.